Sunderland midfielder Adam Johnson has called on his team to show everyone that they shouldn't be fighting for their Premier League survival.
The Black Cats spent nearly £20m in bringing Johnson and Steven Fletcher to the Stadium of Light during the summer, but the duo have failed to keep the club away from the relegation zone.
Sunderland sit outside of the bottom three on goal difference, but Johnson believes that Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby with Newcastle United is the perfect time for the club to show their quality.
The 25-year-old told The Gazette: "As a local lad, no-one has to tell me how important the game is, and we have to give it full respect this weekend.
"If you look at the league table right now, it doesn't look great. But I don't tend to look too far ahead in terms of the games. You can only worry about the team immediately in front of you – and that team is Newcastle now.
"The derby is going to be something special and I just think what a time that would be to perform as a team and show people how well you can play."
Johnson has scored four goals in 28 appearances for Sunderland this season.
Darren Plant
